India’s struggles in Test cricket deepened in 2025 as South Africa completed a comprehensive 2-0 series victory, sealing the contest with a crushing win in Guwahati.
The defeat marked India’s third successive Test series loss under head coach Gautam Gambhir and capped a bruising 16-month period that has raised serious questions about the team’s red-ball direction.
Among all setbacks this year, the South Africa series stands out as India’s most embarrassing Test loss in 2025.
Since Gambhir took charge, India’s Test record has steadily declined. Across 19 matches, the team has managed just seven wins, alongside 10 defeats and two draws, translating to a win percentage of 36.82.
Only Duncan Fletcher, with a lower success rate, has endured a poorer Test record as India coach. The alarming trend has been underscored by defeats at home and abroad, eroding India’s once formidable Test reputation.
The Beginning
The downturn began with a shocking home whitewash against New Zealand. In Bengaluru, India were handed an eight-wicket defeat after being bowled out for a staggering 46 – their lowest-ever home total. Pune saw Indian batters undone by spin, with Mitchell Santner leading a ruthless effort. The series ended in Mumbai, where India failed to chase a modest target, slipping to a rare 0-3 defeat on home soil.
Worsening In Down Under
Matters worsened during the Australia tour. After a dominant win in Perth raised hopes, India collapsed spectacularly in Adelaide, losing by 10 wickets under the pink ball. Melbourne brought further misery as Steve Smith’s commanding century set up a 184-run defeat. The series ended 3-1 in Australia’s favour, exposing India’s fragile batting and inconsistent bowling.
Lowest Point
However, the lowest point arrived against South Africa. In Kolkata, India were skittled for 93 while chasing a manageable target, once again struggling against quality spin. Guwahati proved even more humiliating. South Africa inflicted India’s heaviest-ever Test defeat in terms of runs, winning by 408. Marco Jansen’s hostile pace and Simon Harmer’s incisive spin left India helpless, as they crumbled chasing an improbable target of 549.
Once dominant at home and resilient overseas, India now find themselves vulnerable across conditions. As 2025 draws to a close, Gambhir’s tenure is under intense scrutiny, with the South Africa series loss serving as the starkest symbol of India’s alarming decline in Test cricket.